Kevin O'Neill was refused bail amid claims he was covertly recorded in discussion with others involved in a vigilante-style campaign. The 59-year-old, of Coolnasilla Park South in West Belfast, faces charges of IRA membership, conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm, and possessing articles for use in terrorism.

A separate count of directing terrorism is no longer being proceeded with. O'Neill has been in custody since he was arrested with three co-accused in June 2014. His lawyers argued that he should be released due to delays in the case and the diminished gravity of the case against him.

But prosecution counsel alleged that O'Neill has still been identified instructing others.

"This applicant was not directly involved in interrogating a suspected drug dealer, but the prosecution do say that immediately after that attack people involved went around to this applicant's home and had a meeting with him," the barrister said.

He revealed that 35 punishment shootings have been carried out in Northern Ireland since April last year, stressing, however, that not all were attributed to the same grouping.

Referring to the Oglaigh na hEireann faction, he added: "They have published through the media that they are actively targeting drug dealers or those committing anti-social behaviour. People are beaten up, shot and often forced to leave the country."

Camouflage jackets and black gloves were said to have been seized during searches of O'Neill's home. Jon Paul Shields, defending, pointed out that unlike his co-accused, his client is not facing false imprisonment or weapons charges.

"There's clearly no allegation and no evidence that he was in fact involved in any violence," the lawyer added.

O'Neill, a father of three, has worked for 25 years as a self-employed taxi driver, the court heard. Ruling on the bail application, Mr Justice Maguire referred to how paramilitary organisations have "donned the robes of judges and have taken justice into their own hands by seeking to mete out punishment".

He accepted defence submissions that the withdrawal of the directing terrorism charge had "diluted" the case against O'Neill, but stressed that the defendant is still accused of serious terrorist offences.

The judge was also critical of prosecution information during several hearings about when the case was likely to reach trial.

However, he held that the delay should not result in O'Neill's release. Mr Justice Maguire confirmed: "I have, with an element of reluctance, come to the conclusion that I must apply the ordinary provisions and I'm going to refuse bail on the basis of the risk of further offending."